Novel genetic variant causing schizophrenia identified

Tokyo, Sep 12 (IANS) Scientists have identified a rare genetic variant that may have a fundamental role in the development of schizophrenia — a chronic and severe mental disorder that affects over 21 millon people worldwide.

It is known that more than 80 per cent of schizophrenia cases have a hereditary cause, but the new study identified RTN4R gene variant that leads to the complicated disorder, which often appears in early adulthood.

“Schizophrenia is a disease caused by disturbances in neural circuits. Myelin-related genes are associated with the disease,” said Toshihide Yamashita, professor at Osaka University in Japan.

Myelin, which acts as a conductor of signals for the neural circuits, could contribute to the pathology of schizophrenia.

RTN4R is a subunit of RTN4, which regulates crucial functions for neural circuits, namely, axon regeneration and structural plasticity.